Machine with hood guard assembly and flexible iso-mount

ABSTRACT

A machine includes a frame extending between a first end and a second end, a work tool supported by the frame proximate the first end, and a counterweight supported by the frame proximate the second end. The machine further includes a hood supported by the frame and a hood guard assembly supported by the counterweight and configured to protect the hood from damage. The machine further includes a flexible iso-mount interposed between the hood guard assembly and the counterweight so as to provide a non-rigid connection between the hood guard assembly and the counterweight.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to machines having hoods. More particularly, this disclosure relates to hood guard assemblies for protecting the hood of a machine from damage.

BACKGROUND

Many machines include a hood that encloses an engine. Such hoods often include grille portions that have openings for allowing air movement between the engine compartment under the hood and the outside, or ambient, environment. In some applications, such as forestry work and refuse management, there is a risk that items might fall against the hood and damage it. A damaged hood can impede air movement, or allow foreign items into the engine compartment.

Hood guard assemblies are sometimes used to protect a hood. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,837,326 discloses a tractor grille and grille guard. The grille guard is secured to a bracket, which in turn is welded or mounted by fasteners to a frame of the tractor. Thereby, there is a hard connection between the grille guard and the frame of the tractor. Such hard connection constructions may be susceptible to cracking in the case of an impact event, however.

Therefore, a need exists for improvements relating to hood guard assemblies for machines.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an aspect of this disclosure, a machine is provided that includes a frame extending between a first end and a second end, a work tool supported by the frame proximate the first end, and a counterweight supported by the frame proximate the second end. The machine further includes a hood supported by the frame and a hood guard assembly supported by the counterweight and configured to protect the hood from damage. The machine further includes a flexible iso-mount interposed between the hood guard assembly and the counterweight so as to provide a non-rigid connection between the hood guard assembly and the counterweight.

According to another aspect of this disclosure, a kit is provided that includes a hood guard assembly configured to protect the hood of a machine, and a plurality of flexible iso-mounts. The hood guard assembly and the iso-mounts are configured to together be secured to a counterweight of the machine with the iso-mounts interposed between the hood guard assembly and the counterweight so as to provide a non-rigid connection between the hood guard assembly and the counterweight.

According to yet another aspect of this disclosure, a method is provided for attaching a hood guard assembly to a machine having a counterweight. The method includes positioning the hood guard assembly proximate the counterweight, and positioning a flexible iso-mount between the counterweight and the hood guard assembly. The method further includes securing the hood guard assembly, iso-mount, and counterweight together in a manner such that the iso-mounts provide a non-rigid connection between the hood guard assembly and the counterweight.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side elevation view showing a machine that includes a hood guard assembly.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view showing a portion of the machine of FIG. 1, including the hood guard assembly, the hood, and the counterweight.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view like FIG. 2, showing that flexible iso-mounts are interposed between the hood guard assembly and the counterweight.

FIG. 4 is a side elevation view, showing the hood guard assembly, iso-mounts, and counterweight.

FIG. 5 is a view like FIG. 4, but taken in cross section.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to the figures and beginning with FIG. 1, a machine 10 is shown. The machine 10 is in the form of a wheel loader, but it will be appreciated that this disclosure is generally applicable to other types of machines, as well. The machine 10 generally includes a frame 12 that extends between a first end 14 and a second end 16. A work tool 18 is supported by the frame 12 proximate the first end 14. In the embodiment shown, the work tool 18 is in the form of a bucket. An operator cab 20 is supported by the frame 12. The machine 10 also includes ground engaging members 22 for moving the machine 10 along a ground surface. In the embodiment shown, the ground engaging members 22 are wheel-and-tire assemblies.

A hood 24 is supported by the frame 12, and at least partially encloses a power source, such as an engine (not shown). The hood 24 may include a grille portion 26, which as shown may include openings that allow air to move between the ambient environment and a compartment beneath the hood 24. In the embodiment shown, the grille portion 26 is generally proximate the second end 16 of the frame 12 and is oriented in a generally upright configuration.

A counterweight 28 is supported by the frame 12 proximate the second end 16. The counterweight 28 is configured to balance the weight load of the machine 10, and is positioned generally opposite the work tool 18 (such as for balancing the weight of the work tool 18 plus any payload therein). A hood guard assembly 30 is supported by the counterweight 28 and is configured to protect the hood 24 from damage.

As shown in FIG. 2, the hood guard assembly 30 is secured to the counterweight 28 and extends generally upwardly relative to the counterweight 28 proximate the grille portion 26 of the hood 24. The hood guard assembly 30 includes two upstanding posts 32, and a guard member 34 that extends between the posts 32. The guard member 34 may be positioned proximate the grille portion 26 so as to protect the grille portion 26 from damage.

As shown, the guard member 34 may be moveably secured to one post 32 via hinges 36. Thereby, the guard member 34 may be pivoted away from the grille portion 26 in order to provide a user with access to the hood 24. Each post 32 includes a mounting bracket 38 that is configured to be secured to the counterweight 28, as will be explained further below.

The counterweight 28 generally extends in the transverse direction to a lengthwise axis of the machine 10. The counterweight 28 includes an upper surface 40 and a lower surface 42. The counterweight 28 also includes a first side segment 44, a second side segment 46, and an intermediate segment 48 therebetween. In the embodiment shown, the hood guard assembly 30 is supported generally above the upper surface 40, with one mounting bracket 38 secured to the first side segment 44 and the other mounting bracket 38 secured to the second side segment 46. The guard member 34 spans between the posts 32 generally above the intermediate segment 48.

Referring next to FIG. 3, an exploded view shows that there are one or more flexible iso-mounts 50 interposed between the hood guard assembly 30 and the counterweight 28 to provide a non-rigid connection between the hood guard assembly 30 and the counterweight 28. Optionally, and as shown, there may be several iso-mounts 50 positioned between each mounting bracket 38 of the hood guard assembly 30 and the counterweight 28. Any appropriate number of iso-mounts 50 may be used.

With further reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, each iso-mount 50 includes a head portion 52 and a body portion 54. As shown, the head portion 52 may have a greater width extent than the body portion 54. The head portions 52 of the iso-mounts 50 may be positioned between the counterweight 28 and a mounting bracket 38 so as to define a space 56 therebetween. As shown, the space 56 is generally above the upper surface 40 of the counterweight 28.

The counterweight 28 includes one or more bores 58. As shown in FIG. 5, the bores 58 may extend generally between the upper surface 40 and the lower surface 42 of the counterweight 28. Each iso-mount 50 may be at least partially positioned within a bore 58. For example, and as shown, the head portion 52 of each iso-mount 50 may be positioned between the counterweight 28 and the hood guard assembly 30, and each body portion 54 may be positioned at least partially in a bore 58.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, there may be a first group of iso-mounts 50 positioned generally proximate the upper surface 40 of the counterweight 28, and a second group of iso-mounts 50 positioned generally between the upper surface 40 and the lower surface 42. Each iso-mount 50 of the two groups may be structurally the same.

The iso-mounts 50 of the first group are positioned at least partially in the bore 58 proximate the upper surface 40. In particular, the head portions 52 of the iso-mounts 50 of the first group may extend beyond the upper surface 40.

The iso-mounts 50 of the second group are positioned at least partially in the bore 58 between the upper surface 40 and the lower surface 42. In particular, the head portions 52 of the iso-mounts 50 of the second group may be recessed from the lower surface 42. As shown, the head portions 52 and body portions 54 of the iso-mounts 50 of the second group are completely in the bore 58.

A fastener 60 may be used to secure the hood guard assembly 30, each iso-mount 50, and counterweight 28 together. For example, and as shown, each fastener 60 is in the form of a bolt 62 (having a head 64) and a nut 66. As shown in FIG. 5, each fastener 60 may be associated with two iso-mounts 50, both of which are between the head 64 and nut 66.

The iso-mounts 50 may be formed of an elastomeric material in order to be flexible and so as to provide a non-rigid connection between the hood guard assembly 30 and the counterweight 28.

Advantageously, a kit may be provided that includes the hood guard assembly 30 and a plurality of the iso-mounts 50. Thereby, a user may acquire the hood guard assembly 30 and install it on a machine, such as the machine 10.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

According to the foregoing, a hood guard assembly 30 is provided for the machine 10. One or more flexible iso-mounts 50 are interposed between the hood guard assembly 30 and the counterweight 28 of the machine 10 so as to provide a non-rigid connection between the hood guard assembly 30 and the counterweight 28. Advantageously, such a configuration may improve the durability of the hood guard assembly 30 and make it less likely to be damaged or break off of the machine 10 in the case of an impact event.

The hood guard assembly 30 may be attached to the machine 10 having the counterweight 28 as follows.

The hood guard assembly 30 is positioned proximate the counterweight 28. One or more iso-mounts 50 are positioned between the counterweight 28 and the hood guard assembly 30. This may include positioning a head portion 52 of the iso-mount 50 between the counterweight 28 and a mounting bracket 38 of the hood guard assembly 30 so as to define a space 56 between the counterweight 28 and the mounting bracket 38. The counterweight 28 may include a bore 58, and a body portion 54 of an iso-mount 50 may be positioned at least partially into the bore 58. Optionally, multiple iso-mounts 50 may be positioned between the counterweight 28 and the hood guard assembly 30.

The hood guard assembly 30, each iso-mount 50, and the counterweight 28 are secured together in a manner such that the iso-mounts 50 provide a non-rigid connection between the hood guard assembly 30 and the counterweight 28.

The counterweight 28 of a machine may not initially include the bores 58. In such a case, it may be necessary to create the bores 58 in the counterweight 28 before the hood guard assembly 30 is attached thereto. For example, the bores 58 may be formed by drilling through the counterweight 28. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A machine, comprising: a frame extending between a first end and a second end, a work tool supported by the frame proximate the first end, a counterweight supported by the frame proximate the second end, a hood supported by the frame, a hood guard assembly supported by the counterweight, the hood guard assembly being configured to protect the hood from damage, and a flexible iso-mount interposed between the hood guard assembly and the counterweight so as to provide a non-rigid connection between the hood guard assembly and the counterweight.
 2. The machine of claim 1, the iso-mount including a head portion and the hood guard assembly including a mounting bracket, the head portion being positioned between the counterweight and the mounting bracket so as to define a space between the counterweight and the mounting bracket.
 3. The machine of claim 1, the hood guard assembly including a first mounting bracket and a second mounting bracket, the iso-mount being a first iso-mount positioned between the first mounting bracket and the counterweight, and further comprising: a second iso-mount positioned between the second mounting bracket and the counterweight.
 4. The machine of claim 1, the counterweight including a bore, and the iso-mount being at least partially positioned in the bore.
 5. The machine of claim 4, the iso-mount including a head portion and a body portion, the head portion being positioned between the counterweight and the hood guard assembly and the body portion being positioned at least partially in the bore.
 6. The machine of claim 1, the counterweight including an upper surface and a lower surface, and a bore extending between the upper surface and the lower surface, the iso-mount being a first iso-mount positioned at least partially in the bore proximate the upper surface, and further comprising: a second iso-mount positioned at least partially in the bore between the upper surface and the lower surface.
 7. The machine of claim 6, the first and second iso-mounts each including a head portion and a body portion, the head portion of the first iso-mount extending beyond the upper surface and the head portion of the second iso-mount being recessed from the lower surface.
 8. The machine of claim 1, further comprising a fastener securing the hood guard assembly, iso-mount, and counterweight together.
 9. The machine of claim 1, the iso-mount being formed of an elastomeric material.
 10. A kit, comprising: a hood guard assembly configured to protect the hood of a machine, and a plurality of flexible iso-mounts, the hood guard assembly and the iso-mounts being configured to together be secured to a counterweight of the machine with the iso-mounts interposed between the hood guard assembly and the counterweight so as to provide a non-rigid connection between the hood guard assembly and the counterweight.
 11. The kit of claim 10, each iso-mount including a head portion and the hood guard assembly including a mounting bracket, the head portion of each iso-mount being configured for positioning between the counterweight and the mounting bracket so as to define a space between the counterweight and the mounting bracket.
 12. The kit of claim 10, the hood guard assembly including a first mounting bracket and a second mounting bracket, the iso-mounts being configured to be positioned between the first and second mounting brackets and the counterweight.
 13. The kit of claim 10, the iso-mounts each including a head portion and a body portion, the head portions being configured to be between the counterweight and the hood guard assembly and the body portions being configured to be at least partially positioned in a bore of the counterweight.
 14. The kit of claim 10, wherein the plurality of iso-mounts includes a first plurality of upper iso-mounts and a second plurality of lower iso-mounts, the upper iso-mounts being configured to be positioned proximate a first end of a bore in the counterweight and the lower iso-mounts being configured to be positioned in the bore between the first end and a second end of the bore.
 15. The kit of claim 10, further comprising a plurality of fasteners configured for securing the hood guard assembly, the iso-mounts, and counterweight together.
 16. The kit of claim 10, each iso-mount being formed of an elastomeric material.
 17. A method of attaching a hood guard assembly to a machine having a counterweight, comprising: positioning the hood guard assembly proximate the counterweight, positioning a flexible iso-mount between the counterweight and the hood guard assembly, and securing the hood guard assembly, iso-mount, and counterweight together in a manner such that the iso-mounts provide a non-rigid connection between the hood guard assembly and the counterweight.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein positioning an iso-mount includes positioning a head portion of the iso-mount between the counterweight and a mounting bracket of the hood guard assembly so as to define a space between the counterweight and the mounting bracket.
 19. The method of claim 18, further comprising: positioning a body portion of the iso-mount at least partially into a bore in the counterweight.
 20. The method of claim 17, wherein the iso-mount is a first iso-mount, and further comprising: positioning a second iso-mount between the counterweight and the hood guard assembly. 